Basic Materials Sector Wrap

On a trading day that saw the S&P 500 gain 0.1%, the Basic Materials sector (XLB) showed little change.

Although it moved in the opposite direction of the market, the ETF tracked closer to the overall market today than it has over the past week. Going into trading today, XLB was up 3% over the last seven trading days. The S&P 500, in comparison, was up 2.1%.

Alexco Resource (AXU) was one of the sector's big losers, as its price dropped 15.9% (-69 cents) to close at $3.65. 1.3 million shares of the stock moved. The stock traded between $3.62 and $4.25. The stock has lost momentum over the last three months, losing $1.73 (-32.2%) from $5.38 on May 11, 2012.

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) was a major gainer in the sector, rising 9.7% (+$5.49) to close at $62.01 with 1.9 million shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $57.05 to $63.23. Shares have been on on the rise over the past month, climbing $8.11 (15%) from a price of $53.90 on July 10, 2012.

Calgon Carbon Corporation (CCC) fell 4.2% to close at $13.75, crossing its 50-day moving average of $13.98. Meanwhile, Silver Wheaton (SLW) climbed 4.4% to close at $29.94, moving past its 200-day moving average of $29.48.

Valhi (VHI) rose 4.8% to close at $11.90, approaching its 50-day moving average of $12.01. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $33.24. IAMGOLD Corporation (MUSA) fell 3.6% to close at $11.28, moving closer to its 50-day moving average of $11.27. Also, the stock moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $14.50.

Sherwin-Williams (SHW) hit a new 52-week high today, reaching $141.17 to top the previous high of $138.96.